Wildlife Researchhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/media/client/rss_smaller.gifhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/144.htm
Rodent management issues in South Pacific islands: a review with case studies from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatuhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR17104.htm

Rodents are a key pest to agricultural and rural island communities of the South Pacific, but there is limited information of their impact on the crops and livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Case studies show that rodents are an emerging problem in PNG and remain an important pest of cocoa in Vanuatu. Improved management could be achieved through training of ecologists, and large, well-funded projects.

Little is known about how much the native bell miner relies on lantana for nesting sites and if restoration through removal of lantana, resulting in an influx of native species, changes food availability and thus foraging behaviours. The objective of our study was to understand the relationship between the presence of lantana and bell miners and we found that bell miners nest successfully in a variety of plant species, and the removal of lantana as an oft-used nesting habitat is unlikely to lead to relocation by this species. Future research should focus on canopy insect assemblages in bell miner colonies, a potentially more important determinant of bell miner distribution and their relationship with dieback.

]]>How dependent are bell miners (Manorina melanophrys) on lantana (Lantana camara) as part of their habitat?Kathryn T. A. LambertPaul G. McDonalddoi:10.1071/WR17024Wildlife Research2018-02-15Wildlife Research2018-02-15Elliott traps found to be ineffective for the survey of swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi): a cautionary tale of outdated survey guidelineshttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR17012.htm

Robust and efficient survey methods are essential for the conservation of cryptic and threatened species. This study aimed to review the current recommended survey guidelines for the swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi). Our findings emphasise the importance of such a review and suggest alternative detection methods for future monitoring.

]]>Elliott traps found to be ineffective for the survey of swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi): a cautionary tale of outdated survey guidelinesJacinta E. HumphreyKylie A. RobertSteve W. J. Leonarddoi:10.1071/WR17012Wildlife Research - Volume 44(7)2017-12-13Wildlife Research2017-12-13447514A review of climatic change as a determinant of the viability of koala populationshttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR16163.htm

In many areas of Australia, koalas are under threat from a loss of habitat and disease. Climate change will exacerbate these processes, as well as affect the quality of remaining habitat. Modelling the effects of climate change on koalas will help guide conservation strategies for long-term survival of the species.

Since their introduction into Australia, cane toads have spread to over 1 million square kilometres, causing significant disturbance to native ecosystems. The Australian invasion has also had a toll on the cane toads themselves, and we show that cane toads introduced into Australia have very little immune gene diversity. This chink in the cane toad armour could represent low immune health within the population and could be exploited for control management.

]]>Variation in Major Histocompatibility Complex diversity in invasive cane toad populationsMette LillieSylvain DubeyRichard ShineKatherine Belovdoi:10.1071/WR17055Wildlife Research - Volume 44(7)2017-12-12Wildlife Research2017-12-12447565Ecological history of the koala and implications for managementhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR17032.htm

Explorers didn’t see koalas when forests were managed by Aborigines using firesticks. Disruption of burning created thick forests of sick trees with nutritious and palatable foliage, feeding irruptions of koalas, followed by declines as trees were cleared by settlers or died during the Federation Drought. Sustainable populations should be reinstated using traditional knowledge underpinned by modern ecological and forestry science.

]]>Ecological history of the koala and implications for managementVic Jurskisdoi:10.1071/WR17032Wildlife Research - Volume 44(7)2017-12-12Wildlife Research2017-12-12447471Human–carnivore competition for antlered ungulates: do pumas select for bulls and bucks?http://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR17006.htm

We tested mythology that presents pumas as competitors for antlered elk and deer prized by the hunting community, in the Rocky Mountains, USA. We found that pumas killed few antlered ungulates, avoided antlered elk, and only slightly selected for antlered deer. Our results highlight that killing large carnivores over competition for antlered ungulates is unfounded.

Conservation of threatened species will increasingly rely on innovative strategies and research. This trial assisted colonisation of the eastern barred bandicoot showed this technique could allow the establishment of a self-sustaining population of this endangered species. Pursuing novel management and research avenues is necessary to safeguard vulnerable species and ecosystems.

]]>Assisted colonisation trial of the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) to a fox-free islandRebecca GroenewegenDan HarleyRichard HillGraeme Coulsondoi:10.1071/WR16198Wildlife Research - Volume 44(7)2017-12-11Wildlife Research2017-12-11447484Living on the edge: characteristics of human–wildlife conflict in a traditional livestock community in Botswanahttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR16160.htm

Lethal control of predators related to livestock depredation is a major driver of declines in large predator populations globally. We investigated the perceptions and actions of a livestock farming community in Botswana, and found that lethal control was commonly used, especially in households previously denied compensation for losses, but that its use was unrelated to past livestock losses to predation and the benefits the household derived directly from wildlife. We suggest that efforts must be made to connect the financial costs incurred by farming alongside wildlife with the financial benefits derived from their presence and that greater efforts must be made to ensure timely compensation payments.

]]>Living on the edge: characteristics of human–wildlife conflict in a traditional livestock community in BotswanaJ. Weldon McNuttAndrew B. SteinLesley Boggs McNuttNeil R. Jordandoi:10.1071/WR16160Wildlife Research - Volume 44(7)2017-12-05Wildlife Research2017-12-05447546Can owls be used to monitor the impacts of urbanisation? A cautionary tale of variable detectionhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR16185.htm

Owls have great potential as surrogates to monitor how systems change through time however our understanding of survey approaches is limited. This research assesses our capacity to detect three Australian owl species and demonstrates that species, season and temperature impact on survey success. We suggest that owls can be used to assess change in systems through time but survey approaches need to be tailored and adapted for each individual target species.

]]>Can owls be used to monitor the impacts of urbanisation? A cautionary tale of variable detectionRaylene CookeHannah GrantIsabel EbsworthAnthony R. RendallBronwyn IsaacJohn G. Whitedoi:10.1071/WR16185Wildlife Research - Volume 44(7)2017-12-05Wildlife Research2017-12-05447573Multiple warren use by subadult wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, and its implications for disease transmissionhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR17042.htm

Subadult rabbits in a population that had been heavily suppressed by rabbit haemorrhagic disease used an average of four warrens each in an overlapping, irregular array. This type of movement among warrens could play a critical role in disease transmission. It may be particularly important during periods of low population density when other density-dependent modes of transmission are suppressed.

]]>Multiple warren use by subadult wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, and its implications for disease transmissionScott JenningsGregory Mutzedoi:10.1071/WR17042Wildlife Research - Volume 44(7)2017-11-27Wildlife Research2017-11-27447582Alpine landscape and canopy cover from 1973 to 2011: are roe and red deer population dynamics linked?http://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR16232.htm

Land-use change may represent a major driver for wildlife population trends in most ecosystems. In Central Eastern Alps (Italy), the increase in canopy cover and a general landscape simplification during 1973–2011 period facilitated red deer range expansion and density increase. Land use change and red deer growth rate impacted on roe deer population dynamics. These results may help managers to apply an effective adaptive-management planning technique for target locations to keep the ecosystem balanced.

]]>Alpine landscape and canopy cover from 1973 to 2011: are roe and red deer population dynamics linked?Roberta ChirichellaAndrea MustoniMarco Apolloniodoi:10.1071/WR16232Wildlife Research - Volume 44(7)2017-11-17Wildlife Research2017-11-17447504The efficacy of monitoring techniques for detecting small mammals and reptiles in arid environmentshttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR17017.htm

The ability of ecologists to measure species diversity and abundance levels is greatly dependent on selecting the most optimal survey technique. We compared the efficacy of three popular monitoring techniques used in the spinifex sand-plain habitat in Central Australia. Our results provide a clear analysis of the benefits and cost of each technique and offers recommendations for ecologist conducting surveys within arid environment.Introduction

Information regarding the movement patterns of wildlife is crucial for development of appropriate management actions. We conducted a field test of SPOT Trace GPS receivers on feral black swans near Auckland Airport and found that the units provided a highly effective means of describing the birds’ locations in relation to the potential for aircraft strike. Such knowledge can help mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Understanding the vulnerability and variability of different sex and age cohorts to harvest may have implications to harvest sustainability of wolverine. We examined the temporal variability of wolverine sex and age composition, and evaluated the impact of the harvest season length on breeding wolverines. Late winter harvest likely has a more significant impact on wolverine populations than early winter harvest, because of increased harvest of adults and breeding females.

The Carolina northern flying squirrel is an endangered subspecies that occurs in the southern Appalachian Mountains. To better conserve and manage this species, we conducted a study using radio-telemetry to determine habitat selection across the range of this species. We found Carolina northern flying squirrels preferentially select high-elevation spruce-fir forests over northern hardwood forests.

We investigated the behaviour and survival of translocated ratsnakes. Even if snakes were held captive in complex, naturalistic enclosures (environmental enrichment) before release, the longer they had been in captivity, the less likely they were to survive. Our results suggest that translocation programs should minimize the amount of time animals are in captivity before release when possible.

Stoats are a serious conservation pest in New Zealand, but current monitoring methods are often not sensitive enough to detect them. We compared the effectiveness of the established footprint-tracking tunnel method with two alternative methods, camera traps and artificial nests and found that both were more efficient at detecting stoats in alpine habitat during spring, when they are known to be difficult to detect. Our study demonstrates the importance of calibration among different monitoring methods, particularly when the target species is difficult to detect.

Identifying high-quality Gunnison sage-grouse habitat is critical to successful conservation and recovery of this threatened species. We identified seasonal habitat preferred by Gunnison sage-grouse and found our more refined models more accurately reflected reality than the critical habitat designation currently being used for species recovery. Using a hierarchical approach to identify critical habitat with higher quality data when available may provide a better alternative to generalizations for threatened and endangered species.

Effective management of estuarine crocodiles in Queensland is essential for ensuring public safety. This study aimed to improve our knowledge of human–crocodile conflict in Queensland and how this has changed over time. By understanding historical trends, we provide the basis for improved crocodile management into the future.

Wetland creation is a common tool used to offset wetland losses, but do created wetlands provide natural wetland functions, such as providing habitat for the successful breeding of amphibians? In this study we compared the reproductive success of amphibians in created wetlands and found that it was similar to natural wetlands. These results suggest that created wetlands may provide adequate wildlife habitat and thus may function similar to natural wetlands.

]]>Amphibian reproductive success as a gauge of functional equivalency of created wetlands in the Central AppalachiansGabriel F. StrainPhilip J. TurkJordan HelmickJames T. Andersondoi:10.1071/WR15177Wildlife Research - Volume 44(4)2017-08-29Wildlife Research2017-08-29444354Spatiotemporal distribution of large- and medium-sized mammals and humans in the Lar Protected Area, Iranhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR16199.htm

One-fifth of mammal species are at risk of extinction in the wild, and more research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of protected areas in achieving conservation objectives. Therefore, I evaluated the effectiveness of conservation objectives in the Lar Protected Area (LPA) in northern Iran by documenting the spatial and temporal distribution of seven large- and medium-sized mammals and humans with camera traps and determined the areas and seasons most used by poachers that will definitely be useful for improving the conservation of focal species in the LPA. Photograph by Jamshid Parchizadeh.

]]>Spatiotemporal distribution of large- and medium-sized mammals and humans in the Lar Protected Area, IranJamshid Parchizadehdoi:10.1071/WR16199Wildlife Research - Volume 44(5)2017-07-25Wildlife Research2017-07-25445400Public willingness to participate in actions for crow managementhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR17004.htm

Public participation in wildlife management is needed for understanding and reducting human–wildlife conflicts. We investigated which factors affect the public willingness to participate in crow management, and found that the moderator variable education had the highest impact. By educating about skills for participation in crow management and about importance to participate, we can change public attitudes and beliefs, and convince public to help in crow management.

Knowledge about the ecological requirements of Norway rats in livestock farms is necessary to improve management actions on this pest and consequently decrease animal and human health risk. We present a fine-scale description of habitat use and movement patterns of this species. Control effort should be placed near animal and food sheds, water sources, and in sites that provide refuge. Photographs by D. P. Montes de Oca and R. Lovera.

]]>Where do Norway rats live? Movement patterns and habitat selection in livestock farms in ArgentinaDaniela P. Montes de OcaRosario LoveraRegino Caviadoi:10.1071/WR16219Wildlife Research - Volume 44(4)2017-07-25Wildlife Research2017-07-25444324Drivers of change in the relative abundance of dugongs in New Caledoniahttp://www.publish.csiro.au/rss_feed/WR16133.htm

Sound understanding of trends in wildlife populations is required for assessing their status and for effective conservation and management. The aim of this study was to update information on the current size of the isolated dugong population of New Caledonia. While the latest estimates show a stabilisation of the dugong population at the low thousand, the study highlights the importance of replicating baseline surveys to enable robust interpretation of temporal variation in population size estimates.